Facebook connections

I am one of the few people left in the world who does not have a Facebook account. Maybe I’ll get one one of these days. Right now, it seems like just one more thing to check. Still, I appreciate its potential for facilitating human interaction. Commenter Todd wrote me this message:

In reading the comments about the decline of phone conversations, Facebook came up. I realized that, though I am friends with a few Cranach commenters on Facebook (Bror, FWS, Louis, WebMonk … that’s all I can think of), I don’t really know how to find other people I might talk to on a near-daily basis — on your site, that is. After all, we mainly use handles on your site, and even those using their real names aren’t always easy to find elsewhere. I know I’ve tried to find you on Facebook, but I never found an account I was sure was yours.

Anyhow, not sure if anyone else wants to get connected via Facebook, but if this is of interest to you and you want to do a post about it, my Facebook account can be found at http://www.facebook.com/tstadler Or, you know, if you do have an account, you can add me, too. Or not. People use their accounts differently, I understand.

But I enjoy seeing what glimpses I can catch of people when they’re not replying to a post or comment. It’s not always the same picture you get from reading more argumentative writings. In fact, I can’t remember the last political thing I said on Facebook. This might surprise some people.

Todd in a later message said how he appreciated following and getting to know his frequent political nemesis Bror. “After all, once you realize someone isn’t just some political/theological firebrand, easily pigeonholed and stereotyped, well, you tend to view them more as they are, as humans.”

So he is inviting you to “friend” him. (Nouns as verbs! Hard for me to deal with!) Beyond that, he suggests that anyone who would welcome further contact with Cranach commenters could just post as a comment his or her Facebook URL. Whereupon you could friend and be friended. So if you’d like to do that, do that!

Eric Schmidt suggested that young people should be entitled to change their identity to escape their misspent youth, which is now recorded in excruciating detail on social networking sites such as Facebook.

“I don’t believe society understands what happens when everything is available, knowable and recorded by everyone all the time,” Mr Schmidt told the Wall Street Journal….

He suggested, as an example, that because Google would know “roughly who you are, roughly what you care about, roughly who your friends are”, it could remind users what groceries they needed to buy when passing a shop.

The comments are not the first time Mr Schmidt has courted controversy over the wealth of personal information people reveal on the internet. Last year, he notoriously remarked: “If you have something that you don’t want anyone to know, maybe you shouldn’t be doing it in the first place.”

Eric Schmidt suggested that young people should be entitled to change their identity to escape their misspent youth, which is now recorded in excruciating detail on social networking sites such as Facebook.

“I don’t believe society understands what happens when everything is available, knowable and recorded by everyone all the time,” Mr Schmidt told the Wall Street Journal….

He suggested, as an example, that because Google would know “roughly who you are, roughly what you care about, roughly who your friends are”, it could remind users what groceries they needed to buy when passing a shop.

The comments are not the first time Mr Schmidt has courted controversy over the wealth of personal information people reveal on the internet. Last year, he notoriously remarked: “If you have something that you don’t want anyone to know, maybe you shouldn’t be doing it in the first place.”

Winston Smith

““I don’t believe society understands what happens when everything is available, knowable and recorded by everyone all the time,” Mr Schmidt told the Wall Street Journal…. ”

I do. It’s one reason I use an Orwellian character as my nom de Cranach, and it’s one reason I don’t have a Facebook account.

(All the same, I’m sure the government knows plenty about me, and Amazon, CVS and Safeway probably know even more.)

Winston Smith

““I don’t believe society understands what happens when everything is available, knowable and recorded by everyone all the time,” Mr Schmidt told the Wall Street Journal…. ”

I do. It’s one reason I use an Orwellian character as my nom de Cranach, and it’s one reason I don’t have a Facebook account.

(All the same, I’m sure the government knows plenty about me, and Amazon, CVS and Safeway probably know even more.)

Booklover

I was on Facebook but am no longer. It made me quite depressed to view some of my sons and students in various stages of drunkenness, or scantily clad, or using sickening language. I have never understood why the young want to share their escapades. I’m not saying our generation was perfect, but at least our generation’s misdeeds were hidden from most but God.

It’s a type of community with a big chunk missing. I don’t mean to criticize those on Facebook. I may return someday. I miss the baby pictures. But families could make blogs which only family members can access, not the entire world.

I had hoped to replace the facebook community with my real neighborhood but haven’t been too successful at that yet. However, when we had the flood, people gathered round to work all day and we feasted at night. Nothing beats real, live community. Nothing.

Booklover

I was on Facebook but am no longer. It made me quite depressed to view some of my sons and students in various stages of drunkenness, or scantily clad, or using sickening language. I have never understood why the young want to share their escapades. I’m not saying our generation was perfect, but at least our generation’s misdeeds were hidden from most but God.

It’s a type of community with a big chunk missing. I don’t mean to criticize those on Facebook. I may return someday. I miss the baby pictures. But families could make blogs which only family members can access, not the entire world.

I had hoped to replace the facebook community with my real neighborhood but haven’t been too successful at that yet. However, when we had the flood, people gathered round to work all day and we feasted at night. Nothing beats real, live community. Nothing.

Cincinnatus

I refrain from Facebook, having permanently deleted my account several months ago. I won’t be going back.

Cincinnatus

I refrain from Facebook, having permanently deleted my account several months ago. I won’t be going back.

Louis

I mainly use facebook to stay in contact with friends and family far, far away – as an immigrant to these shores, I have plenty of those. Of course, I do have a couple of ‘local’ people on my contact list, but they are mainly a collection of weird, odd characters 😉 😉

Louis

I mainly use facebook to stay in contact with friends and family far, far away – as an immigrant to these shores, I have plenty of those. Of course, I do have a couple of ‘local’ people on my contact list, but they are mainly a collection of weird, odd characters 😉 😉

http://theravenskeep.blogspot.com/ katie

i admit, i am a huge facebook fan. my dad uses facebook a lot in his ministry, in fact it’s one of the primary ways that he communicates with people. as a military/missionary brat, i’ve been all over the world (moved 14 times by the time i was 16 years old). facebook gives me a way to keep up with friends that i would have lost touch with otherwise. it also has given me the opportunity to remake connections that i lost.

http://theravenskeep.blogspot.com/ katie

i admit, i am a huge facebook fan. my dad uses facebook a lot in his ministry, in fact it’s one of the primary ways that he communicates with people. as a military/missionary brat, i’ve been all over the world (moved 14 times by the time i was 16 years old). facebook gives me a way to keep up with friends that i would have lost touch with otherwise. it also has given me the opportunity to remake connections that i lost.

Digital

I use facebook for multiple reasons. 1. It is a fantastic way to keep in touch with family and friends over great distances. having 120 people on just one side of the family…who has time to call all of them? 2. It is a great tool to help coordinate activities, you can create groups centered around bible studies and discussions to keep people up to date on what they missed. Also you can update said group on upcoming topics, times, events and so forth. 3. Sharing updates on life, Photos of a recent trip (I also use picasa), or a post on where we are in our adoption process. It is a great way to let people know minor events.

But there are some caviates to social networking. Being a network security guy, I also spend a bit of time posting warnings and best practices to keep your information secret. 1. Don’t use facebook apps unless you HAVE to. 2. Visit the privacy section and make sure you know what you are sharing, facebook gives you tight controls. 3. Don’t friend “everyone” you are allowed to be picky. You can also remove updates from people by clicking on that little ‘x’ next to their post without “un-friending” them.

Digital

I use facebook for multiple reasons. 1. It is a fantastic way to keep in touch with family and friends over great distances. having 120 people on just one side of the family…who has time to call all of them? 2. It is a great tool to help coordinate activities, you can create groups centered around bible studies and discussions to keep people up to date on what they missed. Also you can update said group on upcoming topics, times, events and so forth. 3. Sharing updates on life, Photos of a recent trip (I also use picasa), or a post on where we are in our adoption process. It is a great way to let people know minor events.

But there are some caviates to social networking. Being a network security guy, I also spend a bit of time posting warnings and best practices to keep your information secret. 1. Don’t use facebook apps unless you HAVE to. 2. Visit the privacy section and make sure you know what you are sharing, facebook gives you tight controls. 3. Don’t friend “everyone” you are allowed to be picky. You can also remove updates from people by clicking on that little ‘x’ next to their post without “un-friending” them.

Kristen

So, I just joined yesterday after holding out for this long. I don’t really like it…but there were 3 people to whom I had been trying to call, email, and write snail-mail letters that never once wrote me back, but when I joined facebook they wrote to me instantly.

Being on facebook feels very superficial and unsatisfying. In fact, it inspired me to make a bunch of phone calls to friends to have some real interaction. It’s my theory that facebook is a thrilling way to connect for people who are introverts. For us extroverts, it’s nice to see pictures of your kids, but we want the real thing. I want a person who is giving me their attention and writing/speaking only to me…not for the whole world to read.

Peer pressure. I gave in.

Kristen

So, I just joined yesterday after holding out for this long. I don’t really like it…but there were 3 people to whom I had been trying to call, email, and write snail-mail letters that never once wrote me back, but when I joined facebook they wrote to me instantly.

Being on facebook feels very superficial and unsatisfying. In fact, it inspired me to make a bunch of phone calls to friends to have some real interaction. It’s my theory that facebook is a thrilling way to connect for people who are introverts. For us extroverts, it’s nice to see pictures of your kids, but we want the real thing. I want a person who is giving me their attention and writing/speaking only to me…not for the whole world to read.

Peer pressure. I gave in.

Digital

Kristen, just wait until the first friend from HS finds you, or an old friend from college that you forgot about. That extrovert in you will be thrilled I find that when I friend someone I always send them a personal note and in that regards I reconnect with them. Then the next time I am in the area I arrange a lunch to get some face time. It takes some getting used to it but if you are an extrovert and diligent, you will find it an incredibly useful tool. Not a replacement by any means for a phone, or a good lunch date but an incredible tool nonetheless.

Facebook does not replace a phone A phone does not replace Face time Face time does not replace intimacy

It is sad when people forget this though.

Digital

Kristen, just wait until the first friend from HS finds you, or an old friend from college that you forgot about. That extrovert in you will be thrilled I find that when I friend someone I always send them a personal note and in that regards I reconnect with them. Then the next time I am in the area I arrange a lunch to get some face time. It takes some getting used to it but if you are an extrovert and diligent, you will find it an incredibly useful tool. Not a replacement by any means for a phone, or a good lunch date but an incredible tool nonetheless.

Facebook does not replace a phone A phone does not replace Face time Face time does not replace intimacy

It is sad when people forget this though.

http://www.captainthin.net/ Captain Thin

In general I use Facebook for two reasons: to stay in touch with friends outside the city, and because, as Digital writes, organizing events are so much easier via Facebook. It’s also not a bad way to let your friends and acquaintances know about my blog and publications (which has led to some very interesting discussions between my non-Christian friends and me).

http://www.captainthin.net/ Captain Thin

In general I use Facebook for two reasons: to stay in touch with friends outside the city, and because, as Digital writes, organizing events are so much easier via Facebook. It’s also not a bad way to let your friends and acquaintances know about my blog and publications (which has led to some very interesting discussions between my non-Christian friends and me).

–helen

There are two or three more of us down here who can live w/o “Facebook”. Anyone in my family who can use a computer has my e-mail address. When they use it, I answer them. (I used to “drop pebbles down the [various] wells” but I’ve stopped.)

–helen

There are two or three more of us down here who can live w/o “Facebook”. Anyone in my family who can use a computer has my e-mail address. When they use it, I answer them. (I used to “drop pebbles down the [various] wells” but I’ve stopped.)

http://www.toddstadler.com/ tODD

Well, it looks like nearly everyone commenting here is not on Facebook, while those who are on it just went ahead and added me as a friend, without dipping into the conversation here. Ah, well. Two thoughts:

1) If you are going to add me as a friend on Facebook, leave a message to say you’re coming from this blog, so I can know why I (likely) don’t recognize your real name, and if you comment on this blog, tell me what your handle is (which, hopefully, I will recognize).

2) I was hoping other people would similarly post their Facebook addresses. It’s all good and well that I’m connected to these people, but I was likewise hoping that these people would be connected with each other. But you’re not likely to find each other by browsing through my list of friends!

http://www.toddstadler.com/ tODD

Well, it looks like nearly everyone commenting here is not on Facebook, while those who are on it just went ahead and added me as a friend, without dipping into the conversation here. Ah, well. Two thoughts:

1) If you are going to add me as a friend on Facebook, leave a message to say you’re coming from this blog, so I can know why I (likely) don’t recognize your real name, and if you comment on this blog, tell me what your handle is (which, hopefully, I will recognize).

2) I was hoping other people would similarly post their Facebook addresses. It’s all good and well that I’m connected to these people, but I was likewise hoping that these people would be connected with each other. But you’re not likely to find each other by browsing through my list of friends!

In that case here is mine http://www.facebook.com/romans5 But I am pretty new here so not many of you will want it For those of you who do not know what the link to your facebook is here is how you find it: 1. Go to facebook 2. click on account in the upper right 3. Click on Account Settings 4. You will see a spot that says username, concatenate that to facebook.com/ and that will be your address.

Beware, if you add me as a friend you will be subjugated to me getting to know you so PM with a good topic 😉

Digital

In that case here is mine http://www.facebook.com/romans5 But I am pretty new here so not many of you will want it For those of you who do not know what the link to your facebook is here is how you find it: 1. Go to facebook 2. click on account in the upper right 3. Click on Account Settings 4. You will see a spot that says username, concatenate that to facebook.com/ and that will be your address.

Beware, if you add me as a friend you will be subjugated to me getting to know you so PM with a good topic 😉

Josie

I love this idea for the very reason Todd mentions…it shows a human side to our online conversations. Even though I rarely post here this is one of the few blogs I regularily read and enjoy- not only Veith’s entries, but the comments from other readers. Here’s my FB address: http://www.facebook.com/jlbraddy If you do a friend invite with me, please send a message so I know you’re another reader of this blog.

Josie

I love this idea for the very reason Todd mentions…it shows a human side to our online conversations. Even though I rarely post here this is one of the few blogs I regularily read and enjoy- not only Veith’s entries, but the comments from other readers. Here’s my FB address: http://www.facebook.com/jlbraddy If you do a friend invite with me, please send a message so I know you’re another reader of this blog.

http://theravenskeep.blogspot.com/ katie

i read stuff on here pretty consistently, but rarely comment so i didn’t post it up before.

“It’s my theory that facebook is a thrilling way to connect for people who are introverts.” – Kristen @ 9.

Speaking as a Myers-Briggs INFJ with an Introverted rating of 89%, I completely fail to understand the appeal of Facebook. I much prefer the one-on-one of e-mails and phone calls. Yes, I do have a Facebook account, but it’s the result of a few close friends insisting I get one. I almost never use the darn thing.

Tom Hering

“It’s my theory that facebook is a thrilling way to connect for people who are introverts.” – Kristen @ 9.

Speaking as a Myers-Briggs INFJ with an Introverted rating of 89%, I completely fail to understand the appeal of Facebook. I much prefer the one-on-one of e-mails and phone calls. Yes, I do have a Facebook account, but it’s the result of a few close friends insisting I get one. I almost never use the darn thing.

Digital

“It’s my theory that facebook is a thrilling way to connect for people who are introverts.” – Kristen @ 9 While I disagree with this statement, I also have a hard time with the following…“Speaking as a Myers-Briggs INFJ with an Introverted rating of 89%, I completely fail to understand the appeal of Facebook.” I hear this argument a lot, in fact one of the members of a group I lead frequently expresses the opinion. To which I respond. Some people aren’t gifted in this way. Some people fail to understand the appeal of divine service, some people fail to understand the appeal of e-mail. The same thing can be said for, snail mail, Rock music, Bach, Blogs, newspapers…etc etc. However, when you have 5 hundred million people accepting a medium as a form of communication. At some point you have to admit, while you don’t understand, statistically you are different. For those of us who are effective at communication, Facebook augments our ability to minister to many more individuals. I have heard it said that an individual can only effectively minister to 12 individuals effectively face to face. With facebook, I expanded my 12 face to face to many more side conversations. I can show at least 30 conversations I have had with individuals this year alone (I keep track). That I would not have had otherwise. It is unfortunate that people are unable to adapt to new mediums but that is just the way we are. We all have our talents and areas of ministry. Just because you don’t understand a tool of ministry doesn’t mean that you should discourage an individual from using it.

Digital

“It’s my theory that facebook is a thrilling way to connect for people who are introverts.” – Kristen @ 9 While I disagree with this statement, I also have a hard time with the following…“Speaking as a Myers-Briggs INFJ with an Introverted rating of 89%, I completely fail to understand the appeal of Facebook.” I hear this argument a lot, in fact one of the members of a group I lead frequently expresses the opinion. To which I respond. Some people aren’t gifted in this way. Some people fail to understand the appeal of divine service, some people fail to understand the appeal of e-mail. The same thing can be said for, snail mail, Rock music, Bach, Blogs, newspapers…etc etc. However, when you have 5 hundred million people accepting a medium as a form of communication. At some point you have to admit, while you don’t understand, statistically you are different. For those of us who are effective at communication, Facebook augments our ability to minister to many more individuals. I have heard it said that an individual can only effectively minister to 12 individuals effectively face to face. With facebook, I expanded my 12 face to face to many more side conversations. I can show at least 30 conversations I have had with individuals this year alone (I keep track). That I would not have had otherwise. It is unfortunate that people are unable to adapt to new mediums but that is just the way we are. We all have our talents and areas of ministry. Just because you don’t understand a tool of ministry doesn’t mean that you should discourage an individual from using it.

Tom Hering

Digital, I don’t accept the idea that my inability to appreciate Facebook is an indication I lack some “gift.” And if five-hundred-million people feel differently than I do, what’s that to me? I wasn’t trying to change anyone’s mind about Facebook. (I’m sorry if I gave the impression I was. By all means, enjoy Facebook.)

Tom Hering

Digital, I don’t accept the idea that my inability to appreciate Facebook is an indication I lack some “gift.” And if five-hundred-million people feel differently than I do, what’s that to me? I wasn’t trying to change anyone’s mind about Facebook. (I’m sorry if I gave the impression I was. By all means, enjoy Facebook.)

Digital

Sorry, did not mean to slight you at all. It is a common argument. I was just responding to you as an example. As a tech geek I get a lot of “Facebook is killing our ability to interact”. So I take the chance when I can to dispel the myth. Besides, if you are an introvert, then by nature, large interaction is draining on you. Facebook is about as large as it gets. Not that this is a bad thing. But I think Social media in general is a good way for us to reach out to people. I find it exceptionally easy to go up to a stranger in church and introduce myself and have a lively conversation before and after service. My wife finds it much harder. But she is a much more amazing individual when it comes to ministry than I am For once I have introduced myself to the individual, my wife is much better at forming a deeper connection and garnering a lot more respect than my flamboyant self! In the end, some people just aren’t attracted to Facebook any more than they are attracted to meet and greets. But that doesn’t mean one individual is better than another, just gifted differently.

Digital

Sorry, did not mean to slight you at all. It is a common argument. I was just responding to you as an example. As a tech geek I get a lot of “Facebook is killing our ability to interact”. So I take the chance when I can to dispel the myth. Besides, if you are an introvert, then by nature, large interaction is draining on you. Facebook is about as large as it gets. Not that this is a bad thing. But I think Social media in general is a good way for us to reach out to people. I find it exceptionally easy to go up to a stranger in church and introduce myself and have a lively conversation before and after service. My wife finds it much harder. But she is a much more amazing individual when it comes to ministry than I am For once I have introduced myself to the individual, my wife is much better at forming a deeper connection and garnering a lot more respect than my flamboyant self! In the end, some people just aren’t attracted to Facebook any more than they are attracted to meet and greets. But that doesn’t mean one individual is better than another, just gifted differently.

Trey

I like the idea Veith! Here is mine please say you are coming from the cranach/veith blog so I know who is sending the invite. Thank you.

Tom, I am also INFJ. I live on Facebook. I love being in a place where I have some semblence of control over my social interactions. I love people, but they scare the crap out of me. Also, being a military wife, I’m always leaving my friends and being an introvert, it takes me a long time to pick up new friends. Facebook allows me to move my friends with me while simultaneously helping me not feel like I’m bugging people with too frequent phone calls. I’m not saying you have to like Facebook, I’m just saying that Meyer’s Briggs isn’t necessarily the reaon you dislike it. Oh, and feel free to add me, but I won’t confirm you unless you mention this place. I use my real first name and my last name is Perez. I believe I’m the only Kandyce Perez on Facebook, and perhaps anywhere else.

Kandyce

Tom, I am also INFJ. I live on Facebook. I love being in a place where I have some semblence of control over my social interactions. I love people, but they scare the crap out of me. Also, being a military wife, I’m always leaving my friends and being an introvert, it takes me a long time to pick up new friends. Facebook allows me to move my friends with me while simultaneously helping me not feel like I’m bugging people with too frequent phone calls. I’m not saying you have to like Facebook, I’m just saying that Meyer’s Briggs isn’t necessarily the reaon you dislike it. Oh, and feel free to add me, but I won’t confirm you unless you mention this place. I use my real first name and my last name is Perez. I believe I’m the only Kandyce Perez on Facebook, and perhaps anywhere else.

http://meanderinglutheran.blogspot.com Ryan O

I like Facebook. I do believe that it can be used ‘properly’. My wife actually just wrote a blog post about the positive aspect of Facebook and technology. Hope this isn’t considered ‘spamming’

http://meanderinglutheran.blogspot.com Ryan O

I like Facebook. I do believe that it can be used ‘properly’. My wife actually just wrote a blog post about the positive aspect of Facebook and technology. Hope this isn’t considered ‘spamming’

I’ve been a rolling stone. The thought that gets the most repetition seems to be: “You can catch up with all your old classmates on Facebook.” My mental response: “Why?”

A teacher once told me, “You will only have one or two really good friends at a given time.” She was right. Those friends have stayed in touch through many moves; those family members who cared enough have stayed in touch. After years of being ‘dropped’, because I moved or something else, I should now be eager to connect with all the rest of the people I ever met?

You spend the evening with Facebook. I’m going to supper and a movie with a friend I can talk to face to face. –helen

–helen

I’ve been a rolling stone. The thought that gets the most repetition seems to be: “You can catch up with all your old classmates on Facebook.” My mental response: “Why?”

A teacher once told me, “You will only have one or two really good friends at a given time.” She was right. Those friends have stayed in touch through many moves; those family members who cared enough have stayed in touch. After years of being ‘dropped’, because I moved or something else, I should now be eager to connect with all the rest of the people I ever met?

You spend the evening with Facebook. I’m going to supper and a movie with a friend I can talk to face to face. –helen

Digital

Simple answer Helen: Matthew 28

Digital

Simple answer Helen: Matthew 28

http://www.spaceagelutheran.blogspot.com/ SAL

My wife uses facebook but I’ve not yet signed up. I suspect Facebook is a ripe resource for identity theives, and social engineering scams.

http://www.spaceagelutheran.blogspot.com/ SAL

My wife uses facebook but I’ve not yet signed up. I suspect Facebook is a ripe resource for identity theives, and social engineering scams.

http://facebook.com/mesamike Mike Westfall

Click on my name if you would like to add me as friend on Facebook…

http://facebook.com/mesamike Mike Westfall

Click on my name if you would like to add me as friend on Facebook…

helen

Digital at #28 Would you care to elaborate on your cryptic comment?

As I see it, the 12 and their successors were told to “baptize, preach and teach”. [I am not eligible for that Call; my son answered it.]

The rest of us were told to be ready when asked to give a defense of our faith. Where does it say I have to join Facebook?

helen

Digital at #28 Would you care to elaborate on your cryptic comment?

As I see it, the 12 and their successors were told to “baptize, preach and teach”. [I am not eligible for that Call; my son answered it.]

The rest of us were told to be ready when asked to give a defense of our faith. Where does it say I have to join Facebook?

Digital

@helen

I was responding to the idea that having dinner and being on facebook is a mutually exclusive thing. Facebook has led to more dinners with friends than not having it. Facebook augments my ability to teach and preach. It extends my ability to reach people just the way a cell phone does, or e-mail does. Matthew 28 isn’t about shutting everyone out so you can cling to your one or two friends. Matthew 28 is about reaching out to those who you have been called to serve. But, myself being a technical geek, I use technology given to me in an effective manner. There are always naysayers with every tech it seems. I remember people complaining that e-mail was to impersonal, same thing was said about cell phones. Now social networks are under attack. 500 million people who can be reached. Some of them are homebodies and will do just what you suggest, stay home on facebook. Some people are ones that you cannot see due to distance. But nonetheless, it may be the only way you can effectively reach them. You may be a person who is only called to minister to one or two people. If that is the case then I commend you. However, I would say that the majority of people can use facebook to augment their ministry, set up dinner dates, and reach ears that would not have been reached other wise.

That is the expansion of Matthew 28, not that you have to Join facebook. You don’t have to have a cell phone, use the internet, or e-mail. But you can.

Digital

@helen

I was responding to the idea that having dinner and being on facebook is a mutually exclusive thing. Facebook has led to more dinners with friends than not having it. Facebook augments my ability to teach and preach. It extends my ability to reach people just the way a cell phone does, or e-mail does. Matthew 28 isn’t about shutting everyone out so you can cling to your one or two friends. Matthew 28 is about reaching out to those who you have been called to serve. But, myself being a technical geek, I use technology given to me in an effective manner. There are always naysayers with every tech it seems. I remember people complaining that e-mail was to impersonal, same thing was said about cell phones. Now social networks are under attack. 500 million people who can be reached. Some of them are homebodies and will do just what you suggest, stay home on facebook. Some people are ones that you cannot see due to distance. But nonetheless, it may be the only way you can effectively reach them. You may be a person who is only called to minister to one or two people. If that is the case then I commend you. However, I would say that the majority of people can use facebook to augment their ministry, set up dinner dates, and reach ears that would not have been reached other wise.

That is the expansion of Matthew 28, not that you have to Join facebook. You don’t have to have a cell phone, use the internet, or e-mail. But you can.

–helen

Hi, Digital, I wasn’t “attacking” anyone for being on Facebook! Most of my relatives and friends seem to be on it, so I’d be in trouble if I tried.

Maybe it will take me awhile longer. My children still razz me about saying I didn’t need computers but they might. fast forward here I went to graduate school and ended up in a job that requires the computer all day every day. On the way, I was introduced to e-mail, Lutheran lists and web sites. 😉

My daughter spent a couple of years talking me into a cell phone, “so she’d worry less when I was on the road.” (Never mind that I’d been “on the road” for decades w/o one.) Now, I can’t live w/o it, or so it seems when the battery has run down.

[I am allergic to saying women “do ministry”. And having one or two really good friends doesn’t “shut out” the dozens I know who are not as close.] You sound like you’ve had to defend time spent on Facebook to someone else. You don’t have to worry about me. But I don’t think I’m rejecting Matthew 28 either… what did people do with that before computers!?

–helen

Hi, Digital, I wasn’t “attacking” anyone for being on Facebook! Most of my relatives and friends seem to be on it, so I’d be in trouble if I tried.

Maybe it will take me awhile longer. My children still razz me about saying I didn’t need computers but they might. fast forward here I went to graduate school and ended up in a job that requires the computer all day every day. On the way, I was introduced to e-mail, Lutheran lists and web sites. 😉

My daughter spent a couple of years talking me into a cell phone, “so she’d worry less when I was on the road.” (Never mind that I’d been “on the road” for decades w/o one.) Now, I can’t live w/o it, or so it seems when the battery has run down.

[I am allergic to saying women “do ministry”. And having one or two really good friends doesn’t “shut out” the dozens I know who are not as close.] You sound like you’ve had to defend time spent on Facebook to someone else. You don’t have to worry about me. But I don’t think I’m rejecting Matthew 28 either… what did people do with that before computers!?

Digital

@helen Thank you for being so gracious in your response! You are correct in that I have had to defend, not myself, but rather facebook in general to some people. I am also one of the bigger critics of proper use of facebook.

You are correct, you are not rejecting Matthew 28, but it is a compelling reason to get on Facebook Also do you have any grandkids yet? I think that is the most compelling reason for people in the generation above me to get on!

Digital

@helen Thank you for being so gracious in your response! You are correct in that I have had to defend, not myself, but rather facebook in general to some people. I am also one of the bigger critics of proper use of facebook.

You are correct, you are not rejecting Matthew 28, but it is a compelling reason to get on Facebook Also do you have any grandkids yet? I think that is the most compelling reason for people in the generation above me to get on!

–helen

When I was growing up, we went to see my Grandmother where she was and did what she wanted to do. Now, supposedly, I should go where my grandchildren hang out and do what they want to do? Is that what “sandwich generation” means?

I say “it’s spinach…!”

–helen

When I was growing up, we went to see my Grandmother where she was and did what she wanted to do. Now, supposedly, I should go where my grandchildren hang out and do what they want to do? Is that what “sandwich generation” means?

I say “it’s spinach…!”

–helen

I looked it up. There must be a word for those of us who respected our elders and now are expected to cater to “youngers”! “Sandwich” isn’t it. That’s apparently what my son might complain about, if I weren’t independent still. (And may I stay that way to the end, DV.)

–helen

I looked it up. There must be a word for those of us who respected our elders and now are expected to cater to “youngers”! “Sandwich” isn’t it. That’s apparently what my son might complain about, if I weren’t independent still. (And may I stay that way to the end, DV.)